Chef de Cuisine - Production

Nyaal Banyul Geelong Convention and Event Centre; Geelong; On-site; AUD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

A premier event venue in Geelong is seeking an experienced Chef de Cuisine Production to lead kitchen operations. This full-time role focuses on large-scale food production, ensuring high-quality meal preparation while fostering culinary innovation. Candidates should have significant catering experience and the ability to manage a busy kitchen effectively. This position includes mentoring staff and instilling a culture of excellence.

Qualifications

• Available to commence mid-January 2026.
• Extensive experience in large-scale function catering.
• Proven ability to manage costs in a busy kitchen.

Responsibilities

• Lead the production team in creating and executing world class meals.
• Ensure food is prepared in accurate quantities.
• Develop and mentor kitchen staff, fostering a culture of excellence.

Skills

High volume catering experience

Customer service in a 5-star environment

Budgeting and cost management

Food Safety Supervisor Training

HACCP Training

Job description

Overview

Nyaal Banyul Geelong Convention & Event Centre - Chef de Cuisine Production

Full time, permanent position in Geelong, Southwest Coast in Australia's newest Convention & Event Centre. We are seeking a highly skilled Chef de Cuisine Production to lead and manage all kitchen operations with a primary focus on large-scale food production. This role ensures the efficient preparation of high-quality meals, consistently meeting world-class standards as defined by food specifications, operational requirements, and customer expectations. The position is responsible for coordinating production schedules, maintaining quality and consistency across all outputs, and ensuring timely delivery to designated sections. Additionally, the Chef de Cuisine Production drives culinary innovation, fosters the professional development of kitchen team members, and collaborates closely with other departments to achieve exceptional dining experiences.

This role will work on a rotating 7-day roster, which may include early mornings, late evenings and weekends. There may also be a need for infrequent contact out of business hours due to event and client demands.

About Nyaal Banyul

Set to open in 2026 on the Geelong Waterfront, Nyaal Banyul will be Australia’s newest convention and event centre. Operated by the Victorian Convention and Exhibition Trust (VCET), this premier venue features a 1,000-seat theatre and 3,700 square meters of versatile event space, ready to host everything from community gatherings to major conferences and entertainment events.

Deeply embedded in layers of Country, Nyaal Banyul, meaning ‘open your eyes to the hills’ in Wadawurrung language, immerses you in the sky, sea, and land around you. Experience the transformative power of discovery and connection at Geelong's newest venue.

Located in a vibrant city known for its rich history, stunning waterfront, and thriving arts scene, Nyaal Banyul is a place where everyone is invited to share stories, connect, and celebrate special moments.

About the Role

• Lead the production team in creating and executing world class meals, tailored to the unique needs and preferences of our guests
• Continually develop new ideas for menu items, presentations and workflows to provide a world class customer experience.
• Embrace change, foster innovation, and contribute to a culture of continuous improvement
• Oversee all kitchen operations related to food production, ensuring seamless planning, preparation, and execution.
• Ensure food is prepared in accurate quantities to meet the requirements of all events.
• Ensure all produce received at the loading dock meets quality standards through rigorous inspection and control.
• Lead the testing, integration and refinement of new recipes, incorporating innovative cooking techniques to enhance the menu.
• Work with the Executive Chef and Workforce Scheduling Team to ensure kitchen is adequately staffed.
• Support the Delivery Kitchen when needed during times of absence or during peak events.
• Support the Administrator, Kitchen & Hospitality with onboarding and induction of new kitchen team members
• Develop and mentor kitchen staff and direct reports, fostering a culture of excellence, collaboration, and continuous learning, while ensuring teams deliver the Nyaal Banyul customer experience standards and consistently exceed guest expectations.
• Ensure all kitchen staff follow hygiene protocols and take corrective action when required.
• Accountable for the accurate completion of all HACCP documentation, meeting all critical control points - including education and audits
• Deliver financial profitability through budget management, forecasting, and cost control.
• Support with Project and Business Readiness while the venue is under construction and through opening (e.g. admin tasks, manual writing, resource development, etc.)

About you

• You will be available to commence mid-January 2026 and available to travel to Melbourne to work at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Center for the first two months for training.
• Extensive high volume catering experience, including large scale function catering.
• Experience in the delivery of outstanding customer service in a 5-star environment.
• Proven experience with budgeting, forecasting and managing costs in a busy kitchen environment.
• Food Safety Supervisor Training
• HACCP Training

Our Culture

At Nyaal Banyul, we honour diversity, inclusivity, and teamwork. We create a welcoming space where ideas are shared, communities thrive, and legacies are built. Our goal is to be the world’s most trusted partner in delivering impactful events.

Guided by unity, responsibility, and respect, we strive for excellence and shared success. We value collective success, collaboration, and continuous improvement. Our Gender Equality Action Plan promotes inclusivity, representation, and a positive culture.

Ready to Apply?

Apply today with your CV and Cover Letter. For questions not covered or for a confidential discussion, contact: [e-mail]

Applications close on: Thursday 23 October, 2025

*Noting that candidates may be contacted earlier than the above-mentioned date.

Who is VCET?

Victorian Convention and Exhibition Trust (VCET) manage and operate Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC) and the upcoming Nyaal Banyul Geelong Convention and Event Centre.

VCET oversees the strategic direction and operational management of both venues, ensuring they deliver world-class events and experiences. Committed to innovation, sustainability, and excellence, MCET plays a pivotal role in positioning Victoria as a leading global destination for conferences, exhibitions, and events.